MRI: Development of a Mobile Thermodynamic and Dynamic Profiling Facility for the Atmospheric Boundary Layer

这项重大研究仪器奖的工作将支持开发一种独特的移动热力学和动态轮廓系统，用于气象和工程研究。这个便携式平台将结合(1)被动遥感大气发射辐射干涉仪；(2)微波辐射计；(3)地面气象系统，包括可展开的桅杆上的标准气象和湍流传感器。这些组件将与俄克拉荷马大学现有的适用于移动用途的多普勒测风激光雷达(光探测和测距系统)相集成，以便通过距离-高度类型扫描提供对云底、光学薄云特征和气流的观测。通过对现有移动探测系统的共同定位，这些观测将得到定期现场无线电探空仪测量的补充。这一发展将是独一无二的，因为被动红外辐射计和微波辐射计以前从未在移动观测系统中结合过。此外，还存在协同作用的机会，以改进从这些测量和激光雷达指定的云底高度相结合的温度和湿度的反演。科学家、工程师、学生和一名技术人员将共同设计、测试和实施这一移动平台，并根据旅行需要加强系统。必要时将纳入预热/温度控制，以促进快速部署，还将解决潜在的电磁干扰问题。还将开发一个集成远程通信能力的通用软件显示、分析和强大的数据存储系统。这项工作的智力价值将来自于更全面地描述雷暴形成、边界层和城市气象过程中涉及的对流前环境和相关中尺度动力学的能力的改进，以及对数据同化、对区域气候的了解和改善传感器协同作用的贡献。更广泛的影响将包括大幅扩展NSF低层大气观测设施部署池中已经存在的能力，对国家研究委员会最近报告中确定的关键大气研究目标的贡献，对高影响天气事件的数值模拟的潜在改进，本科生和研究生的动手和课堂教育(包括NSF支持的本科生研究体验计划的参与者)，以及未被充分代表的群体参与教育和支持的研究。

This Major Research Instrumentation award effort will support development of a unique mobile thermodynamic and dynamic profiling system for meteorological and engineering research. This portable platform will combine (1) a passive remote-sensing Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometer; (2) a microwave radiometer; and (3) a surface meteorological system, including both standard meteorological and turbulence sensors on a deployable mast. These components will be integrated with an existing University of Oklahoma-provided Doppler wind lidar (light detection and ranging system) adapted for mobile use so as to provide observations of cloud base, characteristics of optically-thin clouds, and airflow via range-height type scanning. These observations are to be supplemented by periodic in-situ radiosonde measurements via co-location of existing mobile sounding systems. This development will be unique, as passive-infrared and microwave radiometers have not been previously combined in a mobile observing system. Moreover, synergistic opportunities exist to improve temperature and humidity retrievals from combination of these measurements along with lidar specification of cloud base height. Scientists, engineers, students and a technician will work together to design, test and implement this mobile platform and harden systems as required for travel. Preheating/temperature controls will be incorporated as necessary to foster rapid deployment, and potential electromagnetic interference issues will also be addressed. A common software display, analysis and robust data storage system that integrates remote communication capabilities will also be developed.The Intellectual Merit of this effort will come through improvements in the ability to more fully characterize of the pre-convective environment and relevant mesoscale dynamics involved in thunderstorm formation, boundary layer and urban meteorological processes, as well as through contributions to data assimilation, understanding of regional climate, and improved sensor synergies. Broader Impacts will include substantial extension of capabilities already resident in NSF's lower atmosphere observing facility deployment pool, contributions toward key atmospheric research objectives identified in recent National Research Council reports, potential improvements to numerical simulation of high-impact weather events, both hands-on and classroom education of students at undergraduate and graduate levels (including participants in an NSF-supported Research Experiences for Undergraduates program), and involvement of underrepresented groups in both education and supported research.